3 Ways to Get a Transcript for a YouTube Video
Save the best ideas from YouTube.
I'm an information hoarder. If I read or hear something interesting, I want to save it. That includes physical books, Kindle books, podcasts, and YouTube videos.
For anything I read, I can use Readwise. For podcasts, I used Snipd, which lets me save snippets of podcast transcripts.
YouTube videos are different. YouTube has a built-in Transcript feature, but it's really clunky to highlight text and copy it elsewhere.
So I usually turn to an external tool to get a YouTube transcript. Here are some options, if you're trying to do the same.
1. Rev.com
Rev is a great transcript tool. To get a YouTube transcript, you simply paste the URL, like this:
On the free plan, you can get 300 minutes of transcripts per month, with a limit of 30 minutes per transcript. If your YouTube video is longer, the transcript will cut off at the 30-minute mark.
Alternatively, you can pay the monthly subscription for Rev (and use it for other things!), but depending on your needs, you may not be able to justify the cost.
2. Snipd
Snipd is the tool I use for podcasts and it also works for YouTube. You can paste a YouTube URL directly into the Snipd app, and it will process a transcript. Once it's done, it's just like listening to anything else in Snipd.
You can't upload YouTube URL's on Snipd's free plan. The paid plan is either $6.99 per month (for 12 months) or $11.99 per month.
If you want to try Snipd Premium free for one month, you can sign up using this link.
3. Computer speakers and a voice recorder
If you want to avoid paying for YouTube transcripts altogether, there's another way... play the video through the speakers on your computer and record with your phone. My iPhone's Voice Memos (for example) will produce a transcript.
I've also used this method when I need a transcript for a video outside of YouTube that is protected in some way. In my work as a freelance writer, sometimes my clients will have me listen to webinars they've hosted or sales calls.
If they don't provide a transcript, I create my own. I'll often use Google Meet (which is included in my Google Workspace). I'll start a meeting, record my computer speakers playing the content, and get a transcript that way.
This is the most clunky of all options, but it works if you don't want to pay for a tool or have a video that doesn't work with either Rev or Snipd.
More resources:
Want some inspiration? These content repurposing automation examples include everything from transcripts to carousels to videos.
